How Kentucky Became a State

Kentucky has a long and storied history, beginning with its first inhabitants who settled in the area thousands of years ago. The state has gone through many changes since then, from being part of Virginia to becoming the 15th state in the Union.

Pre-Statehood

Native American Settlements

Prior to statehood, the area now known as Kentucky was home to numerous Native American tribes. The Shawnee, Cherokee, Chickasaw, and Creek tribes were the most prominent of these. The Shawnee were the first to inhabit the area, arriving in the late 1600s. They were followed by the Cherokee, Chickasaw, and Creek tribes in the 1700s. These tribes lived in the area for centuries, developing their own unique cultures and customs.

European Exploration and Settlement

The first Europeans to explore the area now known as Kentucky were French explorers. In the late 1600s, they began to explore the area and eventually established trading posts. In the 1700s, British and American settlers began to arrive in the area. These settlers were mostly farmers and fur traders, and they quickly began to displace the Native American tribes. By the late 1700s, the area was largely dominated by white settlers. This influx of settlers eventually led to the formation of Kentucky as a state.

Statehood

Constitutional Convention

In 1792, Kentucky's first Constitutional Convention was held in Danville. The Convention was attended by delegates from all of the counties in the Commonwealth. The Convention was tasked with creating a Constitution for the state of Kentucky. During the Convention, the delegates discussed a variety of topics, including the structure of the government, the rights of citizens, and the taxation system. They also discussed the need for a Bill of Rights and the need to protect the rights of minorities. After much debate and deliberation, the delegates agreed on a Constitution and sent it to the U.S. Congress for approval.

Ratification of the Constitution

After the Convention, the Constitution was sent to the U.S. Congress for approval. The Congress debated the Constitution and eventually approved it on June 1, 1792. On June 1, 1792, Kentucky officially became the 15th state of the United States of America. The Constitution was then ratified by the citizens of Kentucky in a referendum. The referendum passed with a majority of votes in favor of the Constitution. With the ratification of the Constitution, Kentucky officially became a state.

The Constitution of Kentucky was a major step forward for the state. It established the framework for the government and provided citizens with rights and protections. It also provided a structure for taxation and the ability to create laws. The Constitution of Kentucky is still in effect today and is the basis for the government of the Commonwealth.

Post-Statehood

Expansion and Development

After Kentucky officially became a state in 1792, it began to rapidly expand and develop. The population of Kentucky grew quickly, as people from other states and countries moved in to take advantage of the state's resources. The state's economy also grew, with new industries such as farming, mining, and manufacturing taking off. The state government invested in infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and canals, which helped to further spur economic growth. This period of expansion and development also saw the construction of many new towns and cities, as well as the expansion of existing settlements.

Political and Social Changes

The period of post-statehood saw many changes in Kentucky's political and social landscape. The state adopted a new constitution in 1799, which established a more democratic system of government. This new constitution also granted more rights to citizens, including the right to vote and the right to own property. The period also saw the rise of a new political party, the Democratic-Republicans, which was the first major political party in the state. In addition to political changes, the period of post-statehood also saw many social changes. The state's population was becoming more diverse, with immigrants from other states and countries coming to Kentucky. This influx of people brought with it new ideas and customs, which helped to shape the state's culture.